asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether his attention has been drawn to Press reports alleging that Mr. Thomas Barry, Cork, stated at an anti-Partition meeting in the United States that the Irish Government has set aside £35,000,000 for the purchase of arms to be used in setting the problem of Partition, and whether he will make it clear that there is no foundation for such a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Problem of Partition.
I have seen the Press reports referred to in the Deputy's question.
The statement attributed to Mr. Barry in those reports is entirely without foundation.
I wonder has the Taoiseach seen a statement of a somewhat similar nature published in this morning's papers to the effect that it is intended to arm 100,000 men here for a somewhat similar purpose, also made by Mr. Barry?
Will the Taoiseach agree that it is a pity that there is not £35,000,000 available for the settlement of the problem of Partition?
Is that a comment or a question? In answer to Deputy O'Higgins, I have not seen the report he has referred to, but, equally with the other reports, it is entirely without foundation.
Is it not correct to say that Barry's statement, reported in the papers, was that if he had 35,000 volunteers he would settle the question of Partition?
That is not the statement that I have seen. The statement that I have seen is that £35,000,000 is available in this country to buy guns to fight for the Six Counties. That statement is entirely without foundation and one that might do us irreparable damage if it was not contradicted.